Aliko Dangote’s N15 Billion Food Intervention Program Aids Vulnerable Communities Across Nigeria
Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, has invested approximately N15 billion in a food intervention program benefiting people across Nigeria. The initiative, spearheaded by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, was officially launched in Kano on Saturday.
The program aims to distribute over one million 10kg bags of rice across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This intervention comes at a critical time, amid ongoing economic challenges in the country.
Speaking at the launch, Dangote highlighted the importance of compassion and solidarity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to support the government in alleviating hunger, stating, “Our distribution of rice symbolizes our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity, which are at the core of our humanity.”
The food intervention program is scheduled to run from March to early April 2024. Dangote explained that the program’s implementation involves collaboration with state and local governments, as well as local community partners, to ensure effective delivery of rice to the most vulnerable populations nationwide, irrespective of state, tribe, gender, religion, politics, or other attributes.
Zouera Youssoufou, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, highlighted that the foundation is also providing 10,000 iftar meals during Ramadan in Kano municipality. Additionally, the foundation has been running a daily bread relief program since 2020, producing and distributing over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread daily in Kano and Lagos States, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, commended Dangote for his generosity and urged other wealthy individuals and businesses to emulate his example. He emphasized the significant impact such gestures can have in alleviating economic hardships faced by many families in the state.
Fatima Aliko Dangote, Group Executive Director, Commercial, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria. She stated that the foundation’s goal is to build a society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and lead dignified, prosperous lives. The Aliko Dangote Foundation focuses on child nutrition, health, education, empowerment, and disaster relief, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all Africans.
